Do I need a big down payment if my credit score is not great?

A larger drive-off (down payment) reduces your monthly payment but generally does not improve your approval odds or your money factor. Lenders approve or decline based on your credit profile — not how much cash you put down upfront. If your score is borderline, the better moves are reducing credit card utilization, disputing errors, or considering a co-signer. Putting a large chunk down on a lease can also mean that money is at risk if the vehicle is totaled early in the lease term.